SemiAuto Shotgun for under 800

[Captain33036]

Without question, the Beretta 390. But, they are getting hard to find. The 391's are actually creeping up in price, towards the $1000 range.

The easiest thing to do would be to get a Beretta A300.

The Rem 1100 is a nice gun, can be had cheap....but.....I personally had quite a few issues with the one I had. I tried putting on another 1100 barrel....and it would not fit. Had huge problems trying to get a new 1100 piston to work on the gun I had. And finally, you have to be aware that the entire gas system depends on a flimsy O ring.

Sorry to bash it, it could have been me, or a lemon, bought it second hand, but I had a very bad experience with this model. I know others have had great results.

I have a Beretta 390 and it is like magic.

Just my 0.02

 

[KSDeputy]

I agree. My 1100 has a full length Choate stock with pistol grip, mag extension, and a rifle sight barrel ( no twist, just rifle sights ). I had the receiver parkerized as that receives the most handling. I use a sling on it, it holds 9 rounds. I recently ordered a rubber recoil absorber for it.

 

[oneounceload]

^^ Except he is looking for a clay target semi, not a tactical/HD one

USED 303/390/391 should be in your budget as should the 1100. Try to get the target version of whatever brand/model you choose as it will be heavier (a good thing) and better suited for clays versus hunting or HD

 

[MCgunner]

I see used 1100 and 1187s around for under 400 bucks. One of these days I'm going to pick one up just because, especially if I were to find an 1100 in 20 gauge that cheap. I'd have to have a left handed safety installed, though.

 

[oneounceload]

Must be nice. Used 1100s here are way closer to 600+; the 870s are more like 400.

 

[MCgunner]

the 870s are more like 400

Ouch. Better be a Wingmaster for that. Expresses go for less than that new.

There are lots of 1100s and 1187s around in the pawn shops, here. Guess it's high supply, low demand. Most are 12s, though. I've got 4 12s, two pumps, one old Winchester SA, and an old Sarasqueta SxS. I'm not needing 12 gauges. I'm not sure I really NEED any shotgun, but a 20 gauge 1100 would be nice. I'm just a wing shooter, not into clays in any form other than the cheap trap I bought at walmart for yard trap. Hell, I have to load the trap, pull the string, and shoot, usually. Can't talk the wife into it when it's 100 degrees out. Tell ya the truth, I'm more into indoor lounging during the heat of the day, LOL.

 

[oneounceload]

The best one I had was the 1100 28 gauge sporting - that was going to be my "when I'm 80 and still shooting shotgun", but then I discovered 3/4 oz reloads for 12 and 20 gauge....lol

 

[SC Shooter]

I own both the Browning A5 and the Remington 1100 and I love taking both of them to the trap fields. Take your pick. Both are of good quality and you can find good deals on used ones that are in great shape. Personally, I prefer the 1100 as it's recoil is less, so if I am spending a day at the range, it becomes appreciated.

 

[BYJO4]

I also suggest the Remington 1100 with a 28" barrel. I would also want the barrel to use screw in chokes. With this combination, you can shoot about anything you want to. There are a lot of good used ones available.

 

[TrickyDick]

Browning Auto 5, original model. not the new aluminum one